Question

Andy is 6.25 miles north of the center of town. william is at the center of town. at noon they both start walking north.
andy walks at a constant rate of 7.5 miles in 3 hours. william walks at a constant rate of 15 miles in 4 hours.
how many hours does it take william to catch up with andy?

Answer 1

Answer: 5 hours

Step-by-step explanation:

$speed=\frac{distance}{time}$

Andy speed = 7.5/3 = 2.5 mph

William speed = 15/4 = 3.75 mph

1. Write an equation that represents the question

let h = # of hours it takes William to catch up with andy

   2.5h + 6.25 = 3.75h

2. subtract 2.5h from both sides

   6.25 = 1.25h

3. Divide 1.25 from both sides

   $\frac{1.25h}{1.25} =\frac{6.25}{1.25}$

   h = 5

Therefore, we know it will take 5 hours for William to catch up with andy.